Thunder visit Knicks in potential NBA Finals preview

Defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder take on surging New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, visit the New York Knicks in a potential NBA Finals preview. The Thunder currently have the best record in the league at 48-15, while the Knicks have won three straight games and sit at 40-22. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and fans can stream it live on Sling TV.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup between two of the NBA's top teams could be a preview of a high-stakes Finals rematch in a few months. The Knicks have been one of the league's surprise teams this season, while the Thunder are looking to defend their championship.

The details

The Thunder-Knicks game tips off at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. The defending champion Thunder are currently listed as 4.5-point road favorites, though the line is being questioned by oddsmakers. The Knicks have been hot lately, taking down playoff-bound teams like the Spurs and Raptors. However, the Thunder may be without Jalen Williams, and there's a chance Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could sit out.

  • The Thunder vs. Knicks game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on March 4, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jalen Brunson

The leading scorer for the surging New York Knicks.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.